SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Sierra Lobo, Inc. and our partner Big Metal Additive propose a unique hybrid additive approach to manufacturing cryogenic liquid storage tanks with broad area cooling channels integrated directly into the walls of the tanks. This manufacturing approach has the potential to yield a smooth exterior surface over which a composite overwrap may be applied, minimizing system weight and maximizing efficient use of tank volume while maintaining structural strength. The use of automated, computer-controlled machining also has the potential to minimize costs of manufacturing broad area cooled storage vessels, maximizing reproducibility while minimizing manual labor hours required to manufacture such tanks, and is easily scalable to larger tank sizes.
